Wrexham Youth 3
Bury U18 4
Football League Youth Alliance (North West Conference)

Match Report

With Under-15 goal keeper Adrian Krol forced into his first competitive start for the Reds, Wrexham again showed signs of promise in their first home league encounter, recovering from a two-goal deficit before slipping to a narrow defeat against Bury. Indeed, Wrexham made the ideal start with a goal in just the second minute, Sam Pilkington netting from close range after Dylan Allshorn’s initial effort had been blocked. The visitors levelled minutes three minutes later when Jack Hatton’s right-wing cross found Cameron Hill who sent a fierce shot across the debutant keeper Krol and into the top corner.

With numerous chances at both ends it was no surprise that the goals kept flowing, Bury taking the lead on 13 minutes when Callum Hulme whipped in a free-kick from the right which was converted by Bobby Copping at the far post. The Shakers were now enjoying the better of the play and should have doubled their advantage on 27 minutes but Hulme’s shot flew just over the bar. However, Bury didn’t have too long to wait to add to their lead, Hill netting his second from the penalty spot seven minutes later.

Dan Nolan’s charges found themselves under intense pressure leading up to the interval; Allen Moisin dragging a shot wide, Calum Dolan robbing Krol on the edge of his area before pulling his effort wide of the post and Copping heading over when well placed. Somehow the Wrexham rear-guard held firm and, with Phil Perry coming on for the injured Aaron Heald at half-time, they gradually began to enjoy a greater share of possession.

Approaching the hour mark, Allshorn shot narrowly wide before Pilkington scored with a stunning left-foot shot that gave Mark Williams no chance in the visitors’ goal. Allshorn’s pace then saw him race clear down the left, pulling the ball back for McGregor but the striker’s shot somehow bounced over. That miss didn’t deter McGregor and on 66 minutes he made it 3-3 after a flowing move started by centre-back Bobby Beaumont.

That goal seemed to reignite Bury and they retook the lead almost immediately when a Hulme corner was met by Copping and his powerful header went in off the post. It was a cruel blow for the young Reds and, despite late opportunities for Kyle Robinson-Murray and Matty Sargent, they fell to their third defeat of the fledgling season.